What is setting?
Setting refers to the time and place in which a story takes place, but it can be so much more than that. You can used setting to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. With your setting, you can reveal information about characters and their motivations, and add depth and meaning to a story. Settings can be real or imagined locations. They can be , specific—such as a small town in rural America—or more general—such as a futuristic city. The setting of a story can also be symbolic. It can represent the inner world of a character or the themes of the story and provide a sense of the cultural context (the beliefs, values, and social structures of the society in which the story is set).
Why setting is important
A well-developed setting grounds your story in reality (even if it’s a fantastical one). It allows readers to visualize the world, making the narrative more believable. Imagine reading a historical novel without any description of the era’s clothing, technology, or social norms—it would feel incomplete.
Setting can influence character development, shaping the characters who inhabit it. A character raised in a harsh, unforgiving landscape will likely have different traits than one raised in a sheltered, comfortable environment. Setting can also help drive the plot forward. It can create obstacles, provide resources, and trigger events, opportunities, and internal conflicts for your characters.
How to use it effectively
Imagery—using descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind—can be used to bring the setting to life. Use imagery to describe the physical details of a location, such as the smell of the sea or the sound of a city at night, or describe the emotions and feelings of the characters, such as the sense of dread a character might feel in a dark and abandoned house. When it comes to describing setting, be sure to show and not tell. Use vivid sensory details to bring the setting to life. It is important to thoroughly research real-life places or time periods to add authenticity to your settings. Settings can even be used to reflect your characters’ emotions. A character who is anxious might find themselves in a crowded, noisy environment, while a character feeling peaceful might seek out a quiet, natural setting.
Examples
For example, a story taking place in a small town in rural America can evoke a sense of isolation and loneliness for the characters. A story taking place in a bustling city can create a sense of energy and excitement. It can also evoke a sense of isolation and loneliness—think about that!. A dark and abandoned house can create a sense of danger and unease. A cozy cabin in the woods can create a sense of safety and comfort.
Imagery and setting
It’s important to strike a balance between too much and too little description. Over-describing—sometimes referred to as information dump—can slow down the pace of a story and make it feel heavy. Under-describing can make the story feel flat and uninteresting. A good rule of thumb is to use description when it is necessary to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. Also use description when it reveals important information about the characters and their motivations.
Another important aspect is the consistency of the setting and description throughout the story. Maintain consistency in the details of the setting and descriptions for the reader so they can fully immerse themselves in the story.
Conclusion
Don’t underestimate the power of place. Setting is not just a backdrop; it’s an active participant in your story, used to enhance the story and bring it to life for the reader. Pay attention to the where in your stories as much as the who and the what. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
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